There are concerns that the major Whitchurch canal breach will impact water supplies to Hurleston Reservoir in Nantwich.
The reservoir, just off the A51 near Snugburys, is a key part of the water network supplying homes and businesses in Nantwich and surrounding areas.
But the breach on the Llangollen Canal on December 22nd may have an affect on supplies to the reservoir.
Part of the canal bank failed in Whitchurch, sending large volumes of water into nearby fields and leaving several narrowboats stranded.
Emergency crews have set up temporary dams and pumping equipment to stabilise water levels and prevent further loss.
The Llangollen Canal has historically supplied water to Hurleston Reservoir via the canal feeder system.
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) has confirmed stretches of the canal — including the section between Povey’s Lock and Hurleston Locks — were closed.
Sections of the canal have been isolated or dammed to allow engineers to manage water levels while investigations and repairs continue.
Because water flow along the canal has been disrupted, there is a chance less water than normal will reach Hurleston Reservoir while emergency works are in place.
However, the Trust says it is actively managing water levels upstream and working to refill isolated sections where possible, with the aim of minimising longer-term water loss.
No formal warnings or restrictions have been issued regarding public water supply in the Crewe and Nantwich area, and there has been no statement from the regional water company indicating any immediate risk to customers.
Campbell Robb, CRT chief executive, said: “Our engineers are continuing their investigations into why the canal embankment was undermined and will be drawing up plans for its repair.
“We’ll be providing regular updates and assurance to the local and boating community in the weeks ahead.
“Thankfully, breaches of this scale are relatively rare but when they do occur, they’re expensive and complicated to fix.
“I’m thankful that, working with Shropshire Council, initial support has been there for all the people and pets who got caught up in this disaster. With most of the boats now refloating, we’ll continue to support those affected.
“The embankment has been subject to a regular inspection regime by our specialist inspectors and engineers, as is routine for all its assets.
“We need to understand exactly what caused the canal embankment to be undermined and breach.
“Engineers will then prepare a plan for the huge and likely lengthy task of rebuilding and then reopening the canal.”
(pics and additional reporting courtesy Jonathan White)
JCD why should the tax payer fund a pastime that’s used by a few old boomers? There’s no real need for canals in the day and age, certainly not all over the country especially as the barge owners probably pay very little towards the upkeep.
Telecoms, mobile comms, how about where the government has stopped wasting money on giving state owned monopolies e.g. loca councils, prisons, schools where money has been well spent
People that have barges on the canal have to pay rates to use the waterways,
Like home owners have to pay rates.
Our rates are for the upkeep of wheelie bins to be emptied, streets to be cleaned etc.
So in a nutshell what is the money that barge people are paying to going on,
Before you jump to conclusions I now the lockes have to be maintained,
Also people who fish 🐠 have to pay licence fees.
I think barge owners get a rough deal.
@Don Wiskerando
Water mains leakage reduction
Leakage was sky high under public ownership due to decades of underinvestment in the water authorities.
Leakage has reduced by at least 50% since the early 1990s which would not have taken place without private investment.
@JCD Please provide one example of privatisation which has improved things., without government subsidy.
Absolutely, a charity running a critical infrastructure, not properly funded, relaying on contributions, focuses on London , what could possibly be right about this. For sure the Labour party should not offer any support, enough nis enough privatise the infrastructure and commercialise the use thereof
Here we go.. the armchair experts come out to play.
CRT as a charity’s simple does not work. It needs to be moved to private ownership and run as a business. In and around Nantwich there are many breaking points which due to poor maintenance are now another disaster waiting to happen. the CRT for example where the canal has a right turning heading to Llangollen there is a significant break in the banking and it’s a question of when, not if, the canal will break through. You also see many people residing permanently on moorings that are at best long term. They are zero facilities for waste and water , they exploit the surrounding land to build permanent storage and of course avoid paying any council tax, therefore, enjoy all the benefits council tax payers pay for with making any contribution. Private ownership would sharpen things up, invest and mak our waterways great again
Why wouldn’t it ?